The county’s second most senior policeman, Assistant Chief Constable Frank Clarke, has given his backing to the scheme and will be a regular speaker at the meetings.

Chairman of Surrey Crimestoppers (SCS) Michael Gunton explained that the club, called The Voice of Surrey Business, will give the organisation’s members more for their money.

“Membership to the club has been open to companies which subscribe £200 or more a year to the charity’s funds,” he said. “It is a fact that they have received very little. This has not been very satisfactory and is unacceptable.

“If organisations are prepared to help us, we must be prepared to help them.”

Mr Gunton said the SCS 200 Club was part of a drive to promote the Crimestoppers service in Surrey.

He explained that 60 per cent of the people charged following information provided through Crimestoppers were not on the police’s original suspect list.

“At the meeting we will be able to discuss the specific problems that affect businesses and have a senior police officer there to answer queries and give advice,” he said.

So far no businesses in Elmbridge have signed up for the SCS Club but one company that has is Toyota in Epsom.

Mike Hawes from the Japanese car making corporation said that their involvement with SCS is part of the firm’s general community involvement ethos.

“When we moved into Epsom we felt it was important to support something like Surrey Crimestoppers.

“I think it doesn’t get enough support for the good work it does do.

“Generally the benefits are quite small for a company like Toyota but it is not a huge amount of money by any means for a large multi-national organisation.

“However, our support will help smaller retailers, such as those on the high street who might have particular crime issues that Crimestoppers in conjunction with the police can help them address.”

Mr Gunton said SCS is looking to build on the strong relationship it has with the police.

“As well as the police offering us a senior officer to come and talk to us they are also arranging for specialist speakers to address the four meetings of the club each year,” he added.

ACC Clarke praised Crimestoppers for its proven track record in solving crime.

“It is an unfortunate fact of life that on occasion businesses in Surrey may become a victim of crime,” he said. “It therefore makes good sense for businesses to support Surrey Crimestoppers and we welcome this latest initiative.”

SCS will be have leading figures from local and hopefully central government to talk to the members at the two other meetings each year.

More information on the club is available by writing to Jane Wright, Area Manager, 65 Headley Road, Liphook, Hampshire, GU30 7PR.